First custom frustrations

[MrsDavis]

Welll...I just need to vent a little about this.

I've run into a multitude of technical issues with this pony. It's a wonder I'm still working on it at all, honestly.

Firstly, I sculpted for the first time on this pony as well. I expected some issues, and thankfully resolved most of them with a little more practice and some tools. Vaseline is also a must with Apoxie Sculpt, I've found.

But now I'm having issues with something I've never had issues with. The FBR. The painting of the actual pony went smoothly and the paint took great. However, the painting of the sculpted parts is being a nightmare. The paint just wouldn't take. I'm thinking it might be the brand, as it's not the usual brand of paint. Does anyone use/have experience with Apple Barrel craft acrylics? I dinged the pony a little and noticed the paint came right off, even though it had been dry for a full day. I took my fingernail to it, and it scratched off easily. 
I removed that paint and now I'm thinking primer then a repaint. Either that or go get the same color in my normal brand.

Do any of you have problems painting on Apoxie Sculpt?

[Sarahlacewing]

I have not had any problems myself but i have not used that brand.  I'd say primer and repaint, switch brands, or seal between each thin layer. Good luck, can't wait to see it!

[Em_L._Pea_Customs]

I only use cheap, craft acrylics.  It's probably the use of Vaseline that is causing the problem.  Petroleum jelly will never dry and will leave a residue that will provide an unstable base.  I would suggest wiping the sculpted areas down with acetone.  In the future I would use lotion or safety solvent to smooth sculpting.

[Maniah]

Even when sculpting with lotion I always wash the sculpting off with soap and hit water. There is a layer of crud on the sculpting.  You can feel it get slimy when you wash it. Sometimes I even scrub it with a plastic scrubbie.

You might have to redo your full body repaint but you need to wash your culpting very good and get the Vaseline off. Next time try lotion instead. It doesn't NEED to be washed off like Vaseline does.

[MrsDavis]

Ah, got it! Yay! I'm so glad I finally figured out what was up! 
This first pony has been such a HUGE learning experience. Thanks guys!

[Ellis1342]

Apple barrel is a pain in the tail most often enough. I used to use it, but it will wash off with water or alcohol if it isn't sealed. It also will crack if it dries out too much. The problem you are having with the apoxie is  because the paint is so thin. Usually you will have to put on a layer of paint and it will look aweful and look like its hardly coloring. By the second or third coat you should start having a decent color showing up. If your painting yellow, purple or some blues you will want a base coat of white. Honestly I switched to ceramcoat and its making a massive difference! The applebarrel wont scratch as long as you make sure to seal it asap

[MrsDavis]

Yeah Ceramcoat is definitely better. So is Folk Art.

Definitely learned a lot with this pony though, and all things considered, she isn't too bad for having had so many issues. All I have left is rehairing and styling.